US space spending correlates with suicides

It seems to be de rigueur in modern science to assume that even though correlation is only an indication of causation, it is perfectly acceptable to make public policy, levy taxes and generally release funds as if the correlation was proof of causation.

It is quite clear from this correlation that those who would promote US spending on science, space, and technology need to promote Suicides by hanging, strangulation and suffocation.

US spending on science, space, and technology correlates with Suicides by hanging, strangulation and suffocation

That there were as many as 9,000 suicides in the US by hanging, strangulation and suffocation in 2009 came as a bit of a surprise. I imagine “by suffocation” means mainly by the use of car exhaust fumes or gas ovens. I am not quite sure what suicide “by strangulation” could mean.